In Morocco, meska horra refers to mastic, the hardened resin from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), a small tree or shrub which is native to Greece and the Mediterranean basin. It’s worth noting that the Moroccan usage of the word meska in reference to mastic is a deviation from the standard Arabic word for mastic, mastekah. SPICES AND MORE 2024 16th February – 10th March 2024 Travel the length of India with Herbie and Liz from south to north, as they re-visit their favourite places, sniffing out all manner of spices as they go. Friday 16th February- Day 1: Depart Sydney or your closest major city, destination Cochin via Singapore, arriving somewhere around midnight. Our bus meets us at the

Koutsoudaki, C., Krsek, M., and Rodger, A. Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oil and the gum of Pistacia lentiscus Var. chia. J Agric.Food Chem 10-5-2005;53(20):7681-7685. View abstract. Zhou, L., Satoh, K., Takahashi, K., Watanabe, S., Nakamura, W., Maki, J., Hatano, H., Takekawa, F., Shimada, C., and Sakagami, H. Re-evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of mastic using activated macrophages. In Vivo 2009;23(4):583-589. View abstract. Gönderen Burçin ÇOKUYSAL (1923-03-20). "ECOLOGIC EVALUATION OF Pistacia lentiscus (MASTIC) IN ÇEŞME PENINSULA". Burcincokuysal.blogspot.com . Retrieved 2013-06-18. Mastiha, or mastic, is a crystal, resinous spice and natural chewing gum that hails exclusively from Chios, where it has been produced since antiquity and long known for its medicinal value. It is highly aromatic and therapeutic — excellent and scientifically proven as a salve against stomach ulcers, effective as a gum in promoting oral health. Mastic oil (MO) is an essential oil derived from the resin (mastic gum) of the plant Pistacia lentiscus var. chia, which is mostly grown for its aromatic resin on the southern part of the Greek island of Chios. Is it necessary to consume mastic gum on an empty stomach?Main article: Mastichochoria A single drop of mastic hangs from the underside of this branch on a mastic tree. To color the mastic with gel food coloring, you need to break off a piece of white mastic, drip a few drops of the dye on it and knead well. The color will be evenly distributed and the mass will be painted. A more intense color may require more dye. Sterer, N., Nuas, S., Mizrahi, B., Goldenberg, C., Weiss, E. I., Domb, A., and Davidi, M. P. Oral malodor reduction by a palatal mucoadhesive tablet containing herbal formulation. J Dent. 2008;36(7):535-539. View abstract. Sardinia is one of the seven blue zones in the world, meaning the island is home to a high percentage of inhabitants making it past 100 years of age. Cover the Samali recipe mixture with cling film and let it rest for 30 minutes. Whilst resting the semolina will absorb the liquid ingredients and will expand.

Moulos, P., Papadodima, O., Chatziioannou, A., Loutrari, H., Roussos, C., and Kolisis, F. N. A transcriptomic computational analysis of mastic oil-treated Lewis lung carcinomas reveals molecular mechanisms targeting tumor cell growth and survival. BMC.Med Genomics 2009;2:68. View abstract.This isn’t a recipe necessary, but it is a popular way that the Greek people use mastic. This traditional spirit is made from mastic resin. Like the mastic tree, this spirit is traditionally made on the island of Chios. It is usually served chilled as an aperitif or an after dinner drink. It also tastes great with grilled meat, such as souvlaki. Syrup

This is the most popular and easiest mastic recipe. For its preparation, a minimum of ingredients is required, and the finished product can then be used both for wrapping the cake, and for making flowers, and for sculpting various figures. g of fat (butter, margarine, cooking oil, coconut oil and any other solid fat without extraneous odors); Using a knife score the Greek semolina cake into little individual pieces and garnish with blanched almonds. Bake the samali in preheated oven at 180C for 35-40 minutes, until nicely coloured and cooked through. Remove the hot mixture from the heat and transfer gelatin swollen in water into it, stir. Under the influence of temperature, the gelatin completely “disperses”. USES: When mixed with sugar, mastic works well in custards, panna cotta, tarts and ice cream. When mixed with salt, it works well in marinades, olive oils and vinegar, or used as a seasoning for lamb, fish, poultry or salads.Triantafyllou, A., Bikineyeva, A., Dikalova, A., Nazarewicz, R., Lerakis, S., and Dikalov, S. Anti-inflammatory activity of Chios mastic gum is associated with inhibition of TNF-alpha induced oxidative stress. Nutr J 2011;10:64. View abstract. I even made some of the oil, but it was a lengthy and difficult process as I didn’t have any proper equipment or good information on the process. However, I did enjoy the taste of the oil in cooking and it made my skin feel revitalised. Barra, A., Coroneo, V., Dessi, S., Cabras, P., and Angioni, A. Characterization of the volatile constituents in the essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus L. from different origins and its antifungal and antioxidant activity. J Agric.Food Chem 8-22-2007;55(17):7093-7098. View abstract.

The mastic tree is an evergreen bush 1,5-3,5m tall. It has an irregular shaped trunk (light grey when young and grey-reddish when older) with a lot of branches. Its scientific name is "Pistacia Lentiscus var. Chia" The mastic tree lives about a hundred years and is fully grown after about 40-50 years. It starts giving its resin (mastic) from 5-6 years old. After about 15 years, produces from 60 to 200 grams and in very exceptional cases up to 400 grams of mastic. Mastic tree thrives and gives mastic only in the south part of the island of C hios and nowhere else in the world. According to theories it only gives mastic there, due to under water volcanoes, the mild and dry climate and the lime consisting soil which has high drainage properties. We’re all in accord about single-use plastics. Having seen huge drifts of plastic in the pristine seas off the Indonesian islands, we know just how important it is to get rid of those shopping bags, plastic wraps and sandwich bags. When one gets emotional about bad plastics, it’s easy to begin to demonize all plastics, and perhaps it’s timely to repeat this message from our Newsletter of some years ago.

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The simplest gelatin recipe includes only three ingredients: powdered sugar, water and gelatin. But out of such a mass, it will be too difficult to make something, and it is not suitable for covering the cake. The only worthy application for this mass is the modeling of the handles of baskets, bridges and other simple elements that must be rigid. Qiao, J., Li, A., Jin, X., and Wang, J. Mastic Alleviates Allergic Inflammation in Asthmatic Model Mice by Inhibiting Recruitment of Eosinophils. Am J Respir.Cell Mol Biol 9-20-2010; View abstract. Mastic oil and other sub products are produced from mastic and are they used widely in medicine, pharmaceutical industry, dentistry, and industry in general. e Put syrup, fat and alcohol on the slowest fire. Preventing boiling of the mass, bring it to a liquid homogeneous state. Gum mastic crystals have delicate pine-resin and balsamic aromas, and are used in both sweet and savoury cooking. The crystals are also famous for their health benefits, thought to freshen breath, and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.